peninsula

noun

pen·​in·​su·​la pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lə  -shə-lə 

: a portion of land nearly surrounded by water and connected with a larger body by an isthmus

also : a piece of land jutting out into the water whether with or without a well-defined isthmus

the Italian peninsula

peninsular

pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lər 

-shə-lər

adjective

Synonyms of peninsula

• cape
• point
• headland

Examples of peninsula in a Sentence

They built their house on a narrow peninsula.

the peninsula is constantly buffeted by storms

Recent Examples on the Web

Madeira’s walking paths range from high ridgelines to coastal peninsulas and levada routes that trace the island’s irrigation channels. —Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

Promoted as the Norwegian Scenic Route Varanger, the road around the peninsula is particularly popular with bird lovers. —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 22 Jan. 2026

Russian troops, having removed the insignia from their uniforms, spilled out of that base and took positions across Crimea, daring the Ukrainian troops stationed on the peninsula to resist. —Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2026

The dolce vita era in Italy was a post-war phenom, a time when the goodlifing synonymous with the peninsula became a global sensation. —Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 20 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin paeninsula, from paene almost + insula island

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for peninsula

• insole
• insula

Kids Definition

peninsula

noun

pen·​in·​su·​la pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lə  -ˈnin-chə-lə 

: a piece of land nearly surrounded by water or sticking out into the water

peninsular

-s(ə-)lər 

-chə-lər

adjective

Etymology

from Latin paeninsula "peninsula," from paene- "almost" and insula "island" — related to insulate, isle, isolate